Pluralsight One Education Resources
Jun 30, 2020 • 39 Minute Read
Purpose
We recognize that many schools have been closed due to COVID-19 and this greatly disrupts the education of our students across the world. Here is a list of resources for parents, teachers and students that will help our students to continue learning.
Pluralsight One Resources
Pluralsight One for high school students
- Pluralsight One offering for high school students, developed in partnership with Code.org
Pluralsight One and Code.org partnered to create an offering that includes 350+ courses for computer science students. These courses cover major technology topics such as software development, IT operations, cyber security, UX/creative design, and project management. This offering helps students engage in self learning around technologies in alignment with Code.org’s national computer science curriculum, broader national CS standards and industry opportunities in the tech industry.
This solution was constructed for high school students, and the content is geared towards those who have a foundation in computer science or technology literacy. Students must be a minimum of 13 years old to utilize this offering.
Teachers can provision access to this solution for students 13 years old and over by sharing this link with their students. Once students have signed up they will have access for three months.
This PS One + Code.org offering course map offers easy navigation. The courses in this map can only be accessed once the offering has been redeemed and an account has been created.
Pluralsight One for teacher professional development
- Pluralsight One offering for Computer Science teachers, developed in partnership with Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)
This offering contains 35+ courses and was designed in partnership with CSTA to: 1) be used as a resource educators can use to prepare for national certification exams, 2) help keep pace with the evolution of technology and 3) build the depth of knowledge needed to bring concepts to life in relevant and engaging ways for students. With over 100 hours of content this offering covers impacts of computing, algorithms and computational thinking, programming, data, computing systems and networks, and more.
K-12 teachers worldwide can access the Pluralsight One CSTA offering. Visit this page to request an access code. You will then receive an email with an unique offer code and a link to the redemption page where you fill out the form to request access. Once you have submitted the form you should receive an email in your inbox with a link to activate your account. If you have any issues please reach out to support@pluralsightone.org.
Read CSTA’s announcement for more info.
For working parents with high school students at home
If you are a parent working from a home and have a high school student (13 years or older) staying home from school due to COVID-19, we want you to be aware of our Code.org offering and how it can support your child in continuing to engage in computer science learning or even develop a new set of tech skills. Here is an overview of that offering.
If you are interested in getting your high school student access to this offering you can get them signed up on this redemption page. Once they fill out the redemption page they will receive an email where they can activate their account and will have access for one year.
Do you or your high school student already have a Pluralsight account? If so, then they can access the curated Code.org content by joining these channels:
Overview Major areas IT Ops Design/creative Software development
In addition, here is the PS One + Code.org offering course map for easy navigation. The courses in this map can only be accessed once the offering has been redeemed and an account has been created.
For Pluralsight customers with high school students at home
Pluralsight One is committed to driving significant, lasting social impact. As part of this effort we have built product offerings for nonprofit organizations as well as K-12 organizations. We partnered with Code.org to create an offering of 350+ Pluralsight courses to high school students studying computer science. In response to COVID-19 and school closures around the world, we are working to prevent disruptions to students’ learning and access to progressive education resources. Therefore, we are opening access to our Code.org offering for all high school students. If you are a Pluralsight customer and have a high school student (13 years or older) staying home from school due to COVID-19, we want you to be aware of this offering and how it can help your child continue to engage in computer science learning or even develop a new set of tech skills. Here is an overview of that offering.
If you are interested in getting your high school student access to this offering you can get them signed up through this redemption page. Once they fill out the redemption page they will receive an email where they can activate their account and will have access for three months.
In addition, here is the PS One + Code.org offering course map for easy navigation. The courses in this map can only be accessed once the offering has been redeemed and an account has been created.
US School Closures Map
Map: Coronavirus and school closures: https://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/map-coronavirus-and-school-closures.html
- Description: This map will help you see where entire states have closed schools, states where some school districts are shut down, and states where there are no closures.
Code.org
With schools closed and tens of millions of students at home, Code.org is launching Code Break—a live weekly webcast designed to teach children at home while school is closed, and a weekly challenge to engage students of all abilities, even those without computers.
Code Break includes:
- A weekly webcast, featuring Code.org founder Hadi Partovi and special guests
- A weekly activity or challenge
- Options for beginners, experienced students, and even students without computers
Learn computer science when schools are closed by trying Code.org at home: https://code.org/athome
Computer Science Teacher Resources
Learn about free professional development from CSTA and Pluralsight One here:
Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) COVID-19 resources:
https://csteachers.org/page/csta-compiled-resources-to-support-teaching-during-covid-19/
- Description: With the outbreak of COVID-19, CSTA knows that many of our members will be supporting their students remotely. Teaching CS is already difficult, and moving to a virtual environment can be challenging, so we have compiled a list of resources to help teachers support their students during this trying time.
Resource directory for online instruction:
- Description: This directory compiles online teaching resources to help keep learning going while students and teachers are unable to engage in the classroom.
Empower students to build their knowledge about the virus
- Description: Have your students remix this Scratch project that simulates virus spread. Share how middle school students mimicked the spread of disease by adapting this Project GUTS epidemics activity.
Identify tools to help you teach virtually
- Description: Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom allow teachers to communicate, share resources, create assignments and provide feedback to students. Learn how to get started with Google Classroom or use Microsoft Education Resources.
Prepare for Online Learning
- Description: Watch a 35-minute webinar in which three teachers describe how they have prepared for online teaching.
Utah-specific Resources
Utah Education Network (UEN) resources:
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Description: Check out all of the tools, materials and resources that UEN has for K-12 teachers and students. Here you can find high quality lesson plans that support the Utah Core Standards, homework help, and a service that allows individuals to obtain secure internet connectivity across the state with one log-in.
Utahns Against Hunger emergency food and community resources:
Tynker
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Request for free Tynker license for school closures form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebnn8LJ4rCJgUeRAhGDB-2Aqh7j6Xx9lbOXRmB7CtxCHqfug/viewform
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Tynker training webinars: https://www.tynker.com/school/training/?utm_source=Teachers&utm_campaign=6bac6f99c1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_06_12_30&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0a72eab762-6bac6f99c1-67117373
STEM Kids Online Workshops
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Description: Craft Lake City and Google Fiber are pleased to present a six-part STEM Kids Online Workshop video series, produced to support Utah elementary schools in their remote learning efforts. We have used the state curriculum guidelines for grades 3-5 to guide our selection of topics for these online workshops, focused on activities which can be done at home. Craft Lake City will be releasing a new video each week.
General Student Resources
USASEF XSTEM videos:
- Description: Students can watch inspiring speeches and stage presentations aimed to empower and inspire kids about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
PBS Learning Media:
https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/
- Description: Access PBS learning media resources including curated free, standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans and more.
Amazon Future Engineer
As classrooms across the U.S. experience educational disruption during the pandemic, Amazon Future Engineer will initially provide free access to sponsored computer science courses in the United States. These courses are for independent learners from 6th to 12th grade, or teachers who are teaching remotely to this age group. Through this free Amazon Future Engineer access, teachers will have access to online professional development to support their work. Amazon Future Engineer and curriculum partners, Edhesive, will grant teachers and students access shortly after they complete their applications, which can be found here.
Autodesk
Autodesk has granted access to tools for students and educators for the past five years with no charge. This remains unchanged. Please visit www.autodesk.com/education to get started today.
- Free content and curriculum: Autodesk packaged content for educators to support distance learning efforts and self-paced training for students. Visit https://lnkd.in/gMqWVV7 to find resources.
Resources to Supplement Classroom Learning
Various online courses, Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), and summer programs expose students to new programming languages or ways they can use CS. Here are some ideas to explore (from Brooks & Elliott, 2017):
The Connectory: This website identifies out-of-school STEM learning opportunities, including computer science. Search by age, opportunity and topic.
Maker Faire: Maker Faires are a good place for students to experience the creative potential of computer science, connect with makers and get ideas for what they can develop.
MIT App Inventor: These tutorials can get students started on developing apps on their own.
Clubhouse Network: This out-of-school program for kids 10-18 years old encourages students to explore web design, programming, video game design and creating 3D models.
Technovation: Teams of girls from around the world learn how to code and create apps that address problems in their own communities.
Level the Playing Field SMASH Academy: This program is a three-year STEM-intensive residential college prep program for underrepresented students.
Playworks, a highly respected national nonprofit, has created a “virtual recess” called Play at Home. They are hosting live, structured Facebook sessions as well as games you can play at home: https://www.playworks.org/get-involved/play-at-home/.
National PTA resources in response to COVID-19: To help ease the emerging challenges this pandemic presents, the National PTA compiled resources, tools and information that will support our families and teachers who are navigating working, teaching and learning at home.
While at Home: Stay up to date on tools, resources, and supports made necessary during this time. #WhileAtHome is a clearinghouse for credible information and action steps.
Emerson Collective: Resources for Remote Learning: Best-practice resources for students, parents, and educators.
15Five COVID-19 Resources and Support: With schools closing to support efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, parents are now rapidly switching gears into full-time parenting plus full-time work mode. This is an open-source doc to gather ideas for those attempting to stay sane working from home, while also keeping the kids productive/entertained/not get into too much trouble!
[Digital Promise COVID-19 Online Learning Resources] (https://digitalpromise.org/online-learning/): We are compiling some of the best resources and exemplars for schools and families preparing for online learning in response to COVID-19.
[Digital Promise Resources for Supporting Learners with Disabilities] (https://digitalpromise.org/online-learning/sped-resources/): This page contains a curated list of special education resources and edtech products to support learners with disabilities in a distance learning context.
[Educating All Learners Alliance (EALA)] (https://www.educatingalllearners.org/): An alliance dedicated to equity for complex learners. Here is a [dedicated resource library] (https://www.educatingalllearners.org/resource-library) where experts have curated a list of credible and actionable resources paired with examples from the field of schools and teachers adapting ways of meeting student needs.
Teaching Resources Curated by Teachers
Pluralsight one Resources
Pluralsight One Code.org offering for high school students
Pluralsight One + CSTA offering to the Praxis exam - good for the CS endorsement for teachers
National CSTA Resources
Programming
- CS Tutorial Videos by Cody Heinrichsen, as well as, study notes for CSA
- Java Tutorials Videos for beginners by Bill Barnum
- CSAwesome Java Material
- CS Teachers Google drive with resources--Shane Winn
- CodingBat - Coding practice
- Code.org - Multiple courses
- CodeHS.com - 40 courses
- AbstractingCS - CSA and CSP material unplugged
- STEMFuse - Curriculum
- Khan Academy - CSP Course
- AP CSA - PowerPoint/PDF notes for all 10 units of the AP curriculum
- Zyante - Online computer science books
- Codesters - Python
- LiveCode - High school
- StemFuture - Elementary, middle and high school
- National CS Teachers list of compiled resources
Test Prep
- Albert.io - AP Test Prep, ACT, and SAT. Over 100,000 practice questions in ELA, math, science, and social studies. View the complete course catalog here.
- AP computer science free response questions and student guide
- AP CSA Free Response Questions - Java
- Certiport - FREE 90-Day Access to the most popular web-based learning resources, including online practice exams and on-demand video-based courses.
Elementary
- KS3 Booklet - Teaching computing with poems and riddles
- Tynker - Free license sign up
- CreateCodeLoad - Scratch coding activities
- Scratch Activities
- Scratch Activities - From the ScratcEd team
- Scratch Racing Game - Course
- Scratch Tutorials - YouTube
- BootUp Computer Science - Elementary and middle school
- Codecraft Works - Elementary and middle school
- StemFuture - Elementary, middle and high school
- Code.org at home during school closures
- Hands-on physical computing projects
- Online CS books
- Makey Makey ideas
- Rogers Tech Tutorials - Scratch
Large Lists of Cs Resources for All Ages
- Google Sheet of free resources during Coronavirus
- CSforAll - Member directory of resources
Video Recording Software
Miscellaneous
- Adobe - Providing free 90-day access for Adobe Connect until July 1st, 2020 with virtual rooms accommodating up to 25 participants.
- 12 Museums that do virtual tours
- 20 Virtual field trips
- 30 Virtual field trips
- National Park tours
- Documentaries on demand
- Virtual operas
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Scholastic Free Reading at home
- Educational shows on Netflix
- Virtual museums
- Activities for kids
- Copyright and Fair Use - Scenarios to practice
- Daily elementary lessons
- Resources for all ages and subjects
- Enrichment activities for kids
- Lunch Doodles
- Indoor ideas - STEM
- Free resources for all ages and subjects
- BE Publishing - Online books for higher grades, including CTE business classes
WiFi Resources for Communities Lacking Connectivity
Computer science resources for administrators and Teachers
CS Equity Guide is an administrator’s guide to implementing equitable K-12 computer science education in California.
https://access-ca.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/04/CSforCAguide-opt.pdf
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance is a unified voice for home broadband access, public broadband access, personal devices and local technology training and support programs. It works collaboratively to craft, identify and disseminate financial and operational resources for digital inclusion programs while serving as a bridge to policymakers and the general public.
https://www.digitalinclusion.org/
CSforALL is using a process and toolkit called the SCRIPT (Strategic CSforALL Resource and Implementation Planning Tool) to help schools create implementation plans for CS education. The tools include rubric areas for leadership, as well as providing support for administrators who supervise or evaluate teacher performance. To successfully prepare administrators for these roles, schools of education can support administrator knowledge through the use of case studies of CS education implementation and supervision.
https://www.csforall.org/projects_and_programs/script/
Computer science professional development guide: How education leaders can build teacher, school counselor and administrator capacity to support equitable computer science education.
https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE2I7uT
Virtual Professional Learning Program
The Code.org Virtual Academic Year Professional Learning Program will support selected CS Discoveries and CS Principles teachers with a set of online activities that replace in person academic year workshops.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lX_jgewtUmPxfCqCdNopaylvnNKnolIkIknoSJtZ4Zc/edit
Closing the STEM gap: Why STEM classes and careers still lack girls and what to do about it.
https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE1UMWz
Center on Great Teachers and Leaders
Resource to support states and districts in their efforts to grow, respect and retain great teachers and leaders for ALL students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Assessing computational thinking and learning
https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=2591713 https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=3017779
Counselors for Computing (C4C)
Educators and students alike look to professional school counselors for ways to encourage girls, women, and underrepresented groups to pursue computing. Knowing where to start is hard, even for the most experienced counselors. National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) helps counselors remove the barriers so students choose to learn computing, consider pursuing technical career paths, and believe their voices can be heard in the tech industry.
Curricula, Pedagogical Strategies
Elementary curriculum examples from San Francisco Unified School District
Google Doc of free resources during Coronavirus, also outlined below.
CS + math work from University of Chicago
AccessCSForAll
https://www.washington.edu/accesscomputing/accesscsforall https://www.washington.edu/accesscomputing/accesscsforall/resources
A project that develops resources and professional learning for computer science teachers to help them include students with disabilities in their courses.
Bootstrap
https://www.bootstrapworld.org/
Bootstrap includes research-based curricular modules for grades 6-12. Materials reinforce core concepts from mainstream subjects like math, physics and data science, enabling non-CS teachers to adopt introductory materials while delivering rigorous and engaging computing content.
Code Studio
Code Studio is a combined set of tools and guided lessons to get students in kindergarten through high school interested in the underlying concepts behind coding, with an interface for teachers to monitor where their students are in the lesson progression.
Code.org third party educator resources
https://code.org/educate/curriculum/3rd-party
A repository of CS curricula and professional development providers curated by Code.org that a school or school district can access to provide an in-school offering for their students.
CS teaching tips
A repository of tips to help CS teachers anticipate students’ difficulties and build upon students’ strengths.
CS Unplugged
https://classic.csunplugged.org/ https://classic.csunplugged.org/teachers/
CS Unplugged is a collection of free learning activities that teach computer science without computers through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around. They also provide links to other resources related to teaching CS and CS outreach.
CS4AllKIDS
https://cs4allkids.org/ https://cs4allkids.org/index.php/lessons-for-teaching-integrated-computational-thinking/
A repository of integrated computational thinking lessons for grades K-8 curated by educators in Washington state. Tips from teachers are also provided.
EngageCSEdu
A repository of assignments, tutorials, labs, assessments, lecture notes, exercises and projects. Materials focus on introductory-level college or upper-level high school CS and on engaging a diverse population of students.
Family Code Night
https://www.familycodenight.org/
A family engagement event where parents and their children do their first hour coding together. An event kit is provided to support organizations in hosting a Family Code Night.
Nifty assignments
A repository of CS assignments gathered at the annual SIGCSE meeting. Descriptions of assignments are provided along with related materials. Materials focus on introductory level CS.
Project Quantum
A crowd-sourced repository of multiple choice assessment items. Questions cover programming, computational thinking, information technology and digital literacy.
Scratch and Scratch Jr.
https://scratch.mit.edu/ https://www.scratchjr.org/
A block-based programming environment and online community students can use to code their own interactive stories, animations, and games. Scratch targets learners aged 8 and older. Scratch Jr. targets learners ages 5-7. To support teachers, Scratch provides a community for educators, in-person gatherings, and guides and tutorials. Scratch is designed and maintained by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab. A list of other block-based programming environments is provided on the Scratch Wiki.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy COVID resources for students, parents and teachers Khan Academy Pre-K-12th grade schedules (ages 4-18) + free curriculum
Daily schedules with interactive content--exercises, videos and articles--for students in every grade.
Albert offers 100,000 practice questions in ELA, math, science, and social studies. Here is the course catalog:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10sa_Q7Aftag13mtLZ2jEajYh4ABFY-SnWTpBeAgzAUw/edit#gid=0
Educator Communities
Computer Science Teachers Association
A membership organization that supports and promotes the teaching of computer science at the K-12 grade levels.
CS for All Teachers
A virtual community of practice, welcoming all teachers from Pre-K through high school who are interested in teaching computer science.
CSforAll Consortium
A hub for the national Computer Science for All movement. Provides information on providers, schools, funders, and researchers focused on the goal of providing quality CS education to every child in the U.S.
Broadening Participation in Computing
https://www.exploringcs.org/for-researchers-policymakers
With grants from the National Science Foundation, the ECS team has been exploring the state of computer science education and developing evidence-based programs for nearly ten years. ECS projects and teams are housed at UCLA and University of Oregon.